The Story Of Light [CD+DVD]

It's always an exciting event when Steve Vai releases a new album. It's been so long since his last studio record (Real Illusions) that I pre-ordered this album. It comes with an extra DVD which I thought was going to be the usual promo fluff, but is in fact a beautifully presented documentary that goes in depth discussing the songs on the album.

Vai has certainly become more experimental, which can divide opinion amongst old fans. Personally I think this album balances immediately accessible tracks with more off the wall material very effectively. I was totally blown away by John The Revalator. I know Steve sometimes finds blues a little too simplistic, but I'm so glad he was inspired to create this heavy, rocking, surprising cover. On the whole, the melodies on the album are more complex than on earlier records like Fire Garden, but the more you listen to it the better it gets. As always, there is A LOT going on and multiple listens reveal the many layers in each song.

The further mainstream pop goes down the Bieber route, the more grateful I am to genuine artists like Steve Vai who a) have talent and b) something interesting to say.

Along with the first installment of the Real Illusion trilogy, I have found the Story of Light more of a grower than previous Vai offerings and it has very positively been more and more rewarding with each & every listen.

As per usual, this is pure virtuosity of not only a master technician but, in my opinion, one of the most truly inspirational composers, band leaders and musical visionaries of our time. Harmonic complexities aplenty, much of the Story probably isn't for the casual listener but the wonderful 'band' performances (it's not all about the leader) and general feel, variety & depth of the tracks make for a very accessible album once given the chance to be absorbed.

As a negative though, I would've preferred EVERYTHING to have been a brand new composition solely from Steve. "The Moon and I" having previously been released, "John the Revelator" being a cover and "Mullach A'tSi" being a traditional Irish melody. Slightly disappointing as it curiously appears on the coveted 7th slot! Even more disappointing is the 'hot' mastering in places which, in particular, destroys "Mullach A'tSi" towards the end with digital clipping/distortion. A shame which has marred too many albums in recent years.

I maybe wouldn't say this is up there with previous Vai classics (for the very reasons I stated above) but, being a release that I have thoroughly enjoyed more than many others in recent times, I think this is a very worthy 5 star album!

From David Lee Roth to Whitesnake and from Passion And Warfare to Real Illusions : Reflections, I have always been a true and loyal fan of Vai. I grabbed this CD at once. Because anything Steve does, I love it. How he makes the guitar scream and cry. The melody from the heart of Jem. The whammy bar. The tone. Gonna see him on the tour for the third time this December.

Real Illusions : Reflections is the first album of the trilogy series that Steve started seven years ago which is fantastic indeed loaded with Building The Church, Glorious, K'm Pee Du We, Freak Show Express and Lotus Feet. The Story Of Light is sequel to that. Long wait. I expected it to be better. But more or less it's the same.

The first track 'The Story Of Light' is a good album opener which I feel like it picks up from Under It All, the end track from Real Illusions : Reflections. 'Velorum' and 'Gravity Storm' are two Bad Horsies in the album. Both being my most favourite head banging stuffs. 'Racing The World' gives Fever Dream and rocks me on the road. 'Creamsicle Sunset' is a cool soothing like a lullaby that almost put me to sleep. I've never had enough of seventh songs and he delivers one here too - 'Mullach A'tSi' which tells me so much of Whispering A Prayer. Beautiful ! 'Weeping China Doll' is another slow and heavy and I like it. Oh ! How I wish David Lee Roth would join and sing on 'Sunshine Electric Raindrops'. It would be great. My favourite VaiTunes #2 'The Moon And I' is also included in the album. 'No More Amsterdam' is Steve's duet singing with Aimee Mann (never heard before). Not bad for sentimental stuff. Sorry to say that 'John The Revelator' and 'Book Of The Seven Seals' (remix of an old song) maybe good but are my least favourite. Better off as VaiTunes? Don't know. Beverly McClellan (never heard before), the winner of the voice contest so they say, does the vocal job on these two. Good to still have Dave Weiner on rhythm guitars and Jeremy Colson on drums. Philip Bynoe (remember G3 : Live In Concert?) is back on bass. Yeah!

This copy that I pre-ordered from Amazon is so-called Digibook which comes in book kind of thing. 32 pages of photos, liner notes with song by song breakdowns and bonus DVD with exclusive Steve Vai interview. Feels great to hold it in hand and go along page by page with the music. Very beautiful.

I have played this album many times now. It's grown on me. As I said, I love anything Steve Vai does. So my review here will be bias for this album. Listen to it and know for yourself if it's good or bad. I am stuck between 4 and 5 stars. Maybe my expectations were too high. The final in the trilogy series, Steve knows what and when and how, will be better I hope. It will be the best of all. It will give us another For The Love Of God, Sisters, Juice, Die To Live, Tender Surrender, Whispering A Prayer and more. Just can't get enough of Vai.

Steve rocks!
Rock 'N' Roll \,,/,